As part of a parliamentary deal, in which the Liberals and Nationals indicated support for the sell-off, the Iemma Government has commissioned consultants to produce a Rural Community Impact Statement.

The Government said advertisements outlining how members of the public could make submissions would soon be placed in newspapers including The Land.

Tamworth-based Country Labor MLC Christine Robertson told The Leader she had not voted on the sale in caucus and was not among those MPs threatening to vote against it.

However, she said she believed safeguards needed to be included in any sale plan.

Her concern was “that whatever happens, country people get equitable pricing structures and access to services”.

“The Government has committed to maintain ownership of the distribution, which is realty important for the country people.”

She said concessions had been won by the “badgering that country Labor has done”.

Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said there was “community outrage” over the proposal and his position had not changed.

“To flog off one of our last remaining assets because they can’t balance their books is just wrong,” he said.

“They tried to make out that country community would be consulted because a representative from the CWA and Shires Association would be part of it.

“That’s not the public voice.”

The Community Impact Statement would not have any effect on his position, Mr Draper said.

“My mind is made up – it’s to oppose it.”